Noel Hightower (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Noel Wade Hightower, son of Harley H. and Rushie I. Preister Hightower, was born July 1, 1923, near Grovespring, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, December 8, 2017, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, five months, and seven days.
On June 26, 1944, he was united in marriage to Freda Eileen Davis, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Russell, Vance, and Lane Hightower; and a sister, Novella Hightower.
Noel is survived by his loving wife of seventy-three years, Eileen, of the home; a daughter, LaVona Chambers, and her husband, David, of Springfield, Missouri; a son, Larry Hightower, and his wife, Denise Cross, of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, Scott and Julie Chambers, and Megan Martins; five great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Madison, Samantha, Lucas, and Milena; a great-great-grandchild, Mykal; a sister, Charlene Barclay, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Grovespring community, and graduated from Grovespring High School. During his high school years, he took part in the Civilian Conservation Corps and then entered the United States Navy as a young man. He served his country faithfully in the Navy during World War II, and was stationed in California for part of that time. After the war, he returned to the family farm and then he and Eileen moved into Lebanon. Through the years, Noel worked for Lebanon Wholesale Grocers, Bahr Dairy Bar, Foremost Dairy, West Overpass Phillips 66, and Mid-America Dairy. He also owned and operated small farms throughout the years. He was a member of the Teamsters Union for several years.
Noel made his profession of faith in Christ early in his life and was a member of New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Niangua, Missouri. He enjoyed reading.
In his spare time he enjoyed restoring antique cars and especially liked El Caminos. He had restored a Model T and a Model A. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed doing chip carving, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved his Lord, his country and his family.
Noel was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his ninety-four years.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shaddy Cemetery and left at the funeral home.
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